Sustainable Skincare Swaps

June 17, 2019

At the beginning of this year, microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles found in skincare products for exfoliation, were banned from production in the United States and around the world. Microbeads cause big problems for the environment. After we wash our face with a cleanser containing microbeads, they go down the drain and into rivers and oceans, polluting the water.

Since the ban, people are becoming more aware of the ingredients in the products they use every day.

By switching out some conventional products for more natural ones, you can help both the environment and your skin. Here are some easy swaps you can make to simplify your skincare routine.

What to Look for in Sustainable Skincare

Nowadays, with many companies starting to offer more sustainable options, you have many options to buy more natural beauty products or you can DIY them yourself.

Many companies are changing out their packaging for more sustainable options, and some are even going zero waste in production as well. Others are making the switch to safer, plant-based ingredients instead of chemical-based, lab-derived ones.

Packaging

Look for packaging made of recyclable or reusable materials. Minimal packaging is also something to look for. Less packaging = less waste. Packaging made of glass is great because it is recyclable or reusable. Another option some companies are implementing is cardboard, which is zero waste and fully compost able. Some companies also offer recyclable or reusable plastics.

Ingredients

Many ingredients commonly skincare products aren’t good for your skin or the environment. Many are made from petroleum derivatives, which come from fossil fuels. There are also a number of ingredients in conventional skincare products that really should be avoided.

What to Avoid:

Parabens
Phthalates
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Fragrance

5 Sustainable Skincare Swaps

Deodorant

Swap out regular deodorant for a natural deodorant. Deodorant contains aluminum as an antiperspirant, which clogs pores of the underarm and has been linked to several health problems. Natural deodorants are now super easy to find, and you can even make your own with just a few simple ingredients (see our deodorant recipe here).

Lotion

Lotion is another easy swap. There are many ingredients in lotion that are actually toxic if swallowed, so you don’t really want that on your hands or face. You can find great natural lotions at most health food stores, or you can make your own.

Cleaner

Many facial cleansers contain harsh ingredients that end up drying out your skin and only amplify any problem areas. Switch out the overly-drying cleanser for a luxurious, natural oil cleanser. You can make oil cleaners with many different options of oils like olive oil, hemp oil, rosehip oil, or grapeseed oil.